Ahead of IEM Katowice 2023, we conducted an in-depth discussion with

Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov from Cloud9. Recognized globally among elite riflers, he detailed his ascent trajectory and obstacles encountered by both himself and the organization throughout the previous competitive season.

“If you don’t have trouble communicating but you’re not top-1, you do have a communication problem”. Cloud9 analyst on mentality, interz swap and Comeback9 meme
A thorough conversation.

— How did you utilize your holiday break for both recovery and skill development?

— I prioritized quality time with family and partner, exploring Denmark’s landscapes while completely disconnecting from competitive gaming. This deliberate digital detox proved essential for mental rejuvenation.

Additionally, I dedicated substantial effort to English language enhancement with consistent support from my girlfriend. The increased international tournament schedule, media interactions, and expanding global network naturally accelerated my linguistic progression through immersive practice.

— Comparing your 2021 tournament saturation near burnout levels versus 2022’s BLAST exclusion, which competitive rhythm better suits your development needs?

— I thrive on continuous competitive engagement across all premier events. Missing BLAST created significant disadvantages in maintaining peak form and accumulating HLTV ranking points. Our gradual descent from elite standings reflected this disrupted competitive cadence. We’re determined to reclaim top positions this season through consistent participation.

— Your occasional sessions in Warzone and Siege suggest cross-training benefits. How do alternate shooter mechanics translate to CS:GO reflex enhancement?

— Transitioning between different FPS titles presents no adaptation challenges for me personally. Weekly exposure to different gaming systems provides cognitive variety, prevents mental stagnation, and offers fresh tactical perspectives through varied control schemes.

— Reflecting on our Katowice victory discussion two years prior, what fundamental shifts characterize your current competitive approach?

— My confidence has solidified significantly, complemented by evolved strategic comprehension. Continuous daily improvement remains paramount – I’ve intensified my CS:GO commitment through advanced demo analysis and systematic discovery of innovative gameplay elements.

— Previously you identified communication and match preparation as primary weaknesses. To what extent have these areas been addressed?

— We’ve achieved near-complete resolution through dedicated effort and systematic refinement. Team morale operates at optimal levels with ongoing enhancement initiatives. LAN performances with our new roster addition will provide definitive progress metrics.

M0NESY has knife from FC Monaco football player Golovin. He will use it “until he wins a Major”

— Your roster maintained stability exceeding two years while other teams cite bootcamp fatigue. What maintains your cohesive family dynamic despite inevitable conflicts?

— Conflict naturally arises in all team environments – no seven-person unit exists without occasional disagreements. We distinguish ourselves through constructive resolution rather than avoidance, investing in problem-solving rather than frequent personnel changes.

The perception of familial harmony stems from our exceptional roster continuity. Unlike organizations implementing biannual player rotations, we confront challenges directly through collaborative solutions.

— IEM Dallas represented your most successful tournament with overwhelming fan support, contrasted by hostile receptions in Katowice and Rio. After numerous LAN experiences, can players truly ignore crowd influence? Would soundproof booths provide meaningful isolation?

— Complete auditory separation proves unattainable – crowd energy permeates regardless of physical barriers. The critical factor becomes individual psychological resilience: I experience minimal performance impact, while some teammates require greater focus management.

Fan positioning significantly affects player experience: linear arena layouts create less pressure than circular configurations like Rio’s. Arena architects should implement booths for 360-degree spectator arrangements to ensure competitive integrity.

Open arenas facilitate valuable fan engagement, though excessive crowd participation can create competitive imbalances. Broadcast x-ray disabling for venue screens represents one equitable solution for minimizing spectator interference.

Who is donk? What we know about Spirit Academy 15-year old prodigy invited to FPL, his crosshair, settings, and config
Is he the next m0NESY?

— The Comeback9 phenomenon has become synonymous with your lineup. What psychological and strategic elements enable these remarkable reversals?

— Competitive drive prevents early concession regardless of scoreline deficits. CS:GO’s inherent volatility means single rounds can trigger momentum shifts, with economical weapons like Tec-9 or Deagle creating disproportionate impact potential.

During comeback scenarios, maintaining emotional equilibrium, strategic confidence, and belief in reversal possibilities proves crucial. Our methodology involves persistent execution of established systems without emotional capitulation.

— Do frequent comebacks indicate roster strength and individual clutch capability, or reveal systematic early-map difficulties?

— Suboptimal openings occasionally occur, though the previous meta heavily favored CT-side with the overpowered M4A1-S. Weapon balance combined with our players’ mechanical proficiency created ideal conditions for successful reversals.

— Initial reactions following the MOUZ elimination?

— Profound disappointment coupled with recognition of unmet performance expectations. Our favorable bracket positioning created optimal finals advancement opportunity for pressure-free championship contention.

The extended post-Major competitive hiatus allowed emotional processing and recovery from that consequential defeat.

Degster’s hard path to esports: wasn’t taken seriously because of age, dodged drugs, proved himself to conservative family
Unknown Abdul.

— The interz benching decision – what stakeholders influenced this roster modification?

— Coaching staff and organizational leadership primarily drive substitution determinations, with player input during trial evaluations. Post-Major elimination triggered understandable morale decline, anticipating inevitable personnel adjustments.

Timofey remains an exceptional individual – we maintain communication and shared humor traditions. His departure generated genuine sadness, though I’m confident about his imminent return to top-tier competition given his current FACEIT activity and maintained form.

— Could interz potentially reintegrate into the primary lineup?

— Reintegration becomes plausible should our competitive results deteriorate significantly, though certainty remains elusive.

— Nafany referenced ongoing playstyle evolution. What distinguishing characteristics define current Cloud9 strategic approach?

— Our current emphasis centers on synchronized team coordination, refined communication protocols, and diversified round execution methodologies.

— Analytical commentary frequently suggests persistent psychological hurdles during matches. Do you acknowledge this as legitimate performance factor?

— Previously accurate assessment. The new roster configuration’s psychological impact requires observation. Single personnel changes can significantly alter team dynamics, though our three-year psychological development has reduced this variable’s significance.

— Does Cloud9 employ dedicated sports psychology resources? Are such specialists necessary for elite performance?

— We currently operate without psychological support staff. Necessity varies individually – while I don’t require such assistance personally, potential unidentified issues might benefit from professional intervention.

— What foundational elements would establish the competitive consistency demonstrated by other top organizations? How can Cloud9 reclaim number one global ranking?

— Meta shifts have reduced CT-side dominance, potentially aligning with our strengths. Enhanced discipline and reinforced self-belief would unlock maximum individual performance potential across the roster.

— The perception of multiple leadership voices: Nafany, Sh1ro and Hobbit all influencing calls. Do three strategic centers represent intentional roster design?

— All players contribute strategic input, though vocal activity levels vary naturally. This dynamic characterizes many elite teams, though conflicting opinions during high-pressure situations can create decision-making delays affecting round outcomes.

Ax1Le is carrying Cloud9 on Rio Major with sh1ro. Did you know he nearly got VAC due to account breach?
Who would have carried Cloud9 then?

— Achieving higher HLTV ranking positions requires extraordinary performance from riflers competing against sniper statistics. Can you achieve this ranking elevation?

— AWPers encounter equally challenging scenarios. Sustained development through enhanced mechanics and game sense refinement remains the pathway – all achievements remain attainable through dedicated progression.

— Your Zowie EC2-CW mouse malfunctioned during Rio. Provide your perspective on this equipment failure incident.

— Upon Rio arrival, my primary mouse deactivated during cable flexion, necessitating temporary equipment substitution. Playoff matches utilized a replacement unit, though unfamiliar gear never replicates the muscle memory developed through extended usage periods.

— Previous incidents involving accidental jumps instead of shots prompted analyst speculation about mouse malfunction. Why maintain loyalty to this specific model despite historical issues?

— Ergonomic compatibility outweighs all other considerations – alternative designs prove unsuitable for my grip style. Manufacturers have resolved the mechanical deficiencies, particularly the scroll wheel activation problem during left-click actions.

Silencer activation represents personal technical error that occasionally occurs. M4A4 adoption likely eliminates this particular issue moving forward.

— Hobbit’s assessment: “If he wants to play well, he will play well.” Have you experienced motivation fluctuations affecting performance?

— Consistent drive for optimal results characterizes my competitive approach. However, certain match situations limit individual impact potential, while physical condition variations naturally influence performance consistency.

— Do you continue traveling with your hedgehog companion Alyam? What’s his current status and LAN performance record?

— While statistical correlation remains unverified, Alyam’s presence during IEM Dallas correlated with strong performances. Major tournaments proceeded without his accompaniment. Potential placebo effect notwithstanding, I perform more effectively with his presence!

— You expressed surprise about Cloud9’s acquisition interest – disbelief that such prestigious organization would pursue you despite top-tier status. What generated this perception?

— Life circumstances were unfolding unfavorably at that juncture: widespread organizational rejection created uncertainty about future competitive prospects. Cloud9’s offer provided essential revitalization for which we remain profoundly appreciative.

— What guidance would 20-year-old Ax1le offer Sergey during Gambit inactivity upon receiving Youngsters offer?

— I would emphasize intensified training regimens, comprehensive development, and expanded demo analysis. Additionally, cherish family interactions more intensely and maintain perspective regarding temporary setbacks.

Jame’s first words after winning the Major was a request to unban his friend, but it wasn’t translated. Who is tr3vl?
And why he has a VAC-ban?

— What were your immediate reactions following the defeat against MOUZ?

— Profound disappointment coupled with the awareness that we failed to meet our performance benchmarks. Our tournament path was exceptionally favorable, presenting a clear opportunity to advance to the championship match where we could compete without external pressures influencing our gameplay.

The extended break following the Major provided necessary emotional distance from that difficult loss. Without immediate competitive obligations, we could process the experience objectively and return with renewed focus.

— Regarding interz’s benching, what was the decision-making hierarchy?

— The coaching staff and organizational leadership primarily drive roster modification decisions, though active players contribute valuable perspectives during trial phases with potential replacements.

The post-Major period brought understandable emotional challenges—I recognized the likelihood of personnel changes. Timofey remains an exceptional individual with whom I maintain regular contact, sharing numerous inside jokes that developed during our time as teammates.

I maintain confidence that interz will quickly reestablish himself within tier-1 competitive Counter-Strike. His current FACEIT participation maintains competitive readiness, and organizations consistently seek players with his specific skill set and experience level.

— Under what circumstances could interz potentially rejoin the starting lineup?

— This scenario becomes plausible only if our competitive results deteriorate significantly. However, I cannot provide definitive predictions about future roster configurations.

— How have Cloud9’s strategic approaches evolved according to Nafany’s recent comments?

— Our current focus emphasizes enhanced team synergy, refining in-game communication protocols, and developing multiple tactical approaches to round execution. Improved coordination during live matches facilitates more effective trade scenarios and strategic advantages.

— Competitive analysts frequently cite psychological consistency as Cloud9’s primary challenge. Do you consider this assessment accurate?

— This characterization was previously valid. The integration of new personnel may alter team dynamics significantly. Regardless, our psychological development across three years has substantially reduced this factor’s impact on match outcomes.

— Does Cloud9 employ dedicated psychological support staff? Is this resource necessary for your team?

— We currently lack this specialized support role. Determining its necessity depends entirely on individual player requirements—while I don’t personally require such assistance, a professional might identify underlying issues requiring attention.

— What strategic elements define Cloud9’s current competitive identity?

— We’re prioritizing collective execution over individual brilliance, developing comprehensive communication frameworks that enable seamless mid-round adjustments. This systematic approach creates consistent trading opportunities and maximizes round-winning potential through coordinated team movements.

— How can Cloud9 achieve the competitive consistency demonstrated by other elite organizations? What represents the crucial pathway to reclaiming top-ranked status?

— Recent meta shifts have diminished CT-side advantages, potentially benefiting our strategic preferences. Enhanced discipline and reinforced self-confidence represent key components that will unlock each player’s maximum performance capacity.

— Many observers perceive three distinct leadership voices within the team: Nafany, Sh1ro, and Hobbit. Does this multi-captain structure represent an intentional roster characteristic?

— While every player contributes strategic input during matches, certain individuals naturally demonstrate greater vocal leadership. This dynamic exists across numerous competitive teams at the highest level.

Occasionally, this distributed leadership creates coordination challenges during high-pressure situations: conflicting strategic perspectives can introduce decision-making delays that compromise round outcomes.

— To ascend higher positions within HLTV’s player rankings, riflers must outperform established statistical norms since AWPers typically accumulate superior numbers. Is this elevation achievable for your role?

— Sniper specialists sometimes encounter more disadvantageous in-game circumstances than I face. Continuous skill development, refined mechanical execution, and enhanced game sense represent the fundamental progression path. All achievements remain within reach through dedicated development.

— Your tournament equipment experienced failures during the Rio event, requiring borrowing from other competitors. Please elaborate on this situation from your perspective.

— Upon arriving in Brazil, my primary mouse malfunctioned due to cable damage, necessitating emergency equipment substitution during initial matches. For playoff stages, I utilized a replacement unit, though new peripherals never replicate the tactile familiarity developed through extended usage periods.

— Previous competitive performances included unfortunate mechanical errors, such as unintended jumping instead of firing. Analysts attributed these incidents to your mouse model’s historical click registration issues. Why have you maintained loyalty to this specific hardware despite documented reliability concerns?

— The ergonomic design remains unparalleled for my grip style and hand dimensions. Alternative models consistently prove unsatisfactory for my specific requirements.

Manufacturers have addressed previous mechanical deficiencies—the scroll wheel no longer registers accidental inputs during left-click actions. Regarding silencer toggling, that represents personal execution inconsistency I occasionally experience. However, my likely transition to M4A4 usage eliminates this particular concern entirely.

— Hobbit previously commented about your performance: “If he wants to play well, he will play well. It all depends on his motivation.” Have you ever experienced motivation fluctuations affecting competitive performance?

— I consistently maintain championship-level motivation. However, certain match situations develop in ways that minimize individual impact—sometimes round progression eliminates opportunities for meaningful contribution. Physical condition variations also influence performance levels, though occasional suboptimal performances represent natural competitive variance.

— Do you continue bringing your hedgehog plush Alyam to tournaments? What’s his current status? What competitive win rate does he maintain during LAN events?

— While precise statistical correlation remains unverified, Alyam’s presence at IEM Dallas coincided with strong team performances, though he remained absent during the Major. This may represent psychological association, but I perform more consistently with his presence!

— You expressed surprise about Cloud9’s acquisition interest—you didn’t anticipate such a prominent organization pursuing you. Why this reaction despite your established top-tier status at that time?

— Life circumstances were developing unfavorably during that period: previous support networks had dissolved, leaving uncertainty about my competitive future. Cloud9’s offer provided essential revitalization that our roster desperately needed at that juncture.

— What guidance would 20-year-old Ax1le offer to Sergey during his Gambit inactivity period, immediately before receiving the Youngsters opportunity?

— I would emphasize intensified practice regimens, continuous skill development, and increased demo analysis. Additionally, I’d stress greater appreciation for personal relationship time and resilience against minor competitive setbacks.

— The “Comeback9” identity has become synonymous with this roster configuration. What underlying factors enable these remarkable recovery performances?

— Competitive drive prevents accepting defeat before exhausting all possibilities. Counter-Strike’s inherent volatility means individual rounds can trigger dramatic momentum shifts—unexpected Tec-9 or Deagle plays frequently create these turnaround opportunities without excessive difficulty.

During challenging matches, maintaining emotional equilibrium, strategic confidence, and persistent effort enables these comeback scenarios. Our approach involves maintaining composed execution regardless of scoreline circumstances.

— Do these frequent comeback victories demonstrate roster strength and individual player capabilities, or indicate early-map performance issues?

— Sometimes unfavorable initial rounds or suboptimal strategic planning creates early deficits. However, consider that the M4A1-S dominated previous competitive metas—many recoveries occurred during CT-side performances because confronting this weapon’s four-bullet elimination capability and controllable spray pattern presented significant challenges. Exceptional individual performances also contributed significantly—thus meta characteristics combined with our skill sets produced these successful turnaround results.

Games and Esports Articles CS 2

“We didn’t run away from problems, we tried to solve them”. Ax1le on last season issues, disappointment in Rio, and personal growth

Before the IEM Katowice 2023, we engaged in conversation with

Sergey “Ax1Le” Rykhtorov from Cloud9. Recognized as one of the premier riflers globally, he shared insights on achieving competitive excellence and navigating challenges faced by both C9 and himself throughout the previous competitive season.

“If you don’t have trouble communicating but you’re not top-1, you do have a communication problem”. Cloud9 analyst on mentality, interz swap and Comeback9 meme
A thorough conversation.

— How did you spend your recent break period?

— I dedicated quality time with family members, explored various locations throughout Denmark, and enjoyed rejuvenating weekends. I consciously avoided computer gaming and didn’t launch Counter-Strike during this period.

Additionally, I focused on English language enhancement, receiving substantial assistance from my partner. The increased tournament participation, additional interviews, and growing international connections have significantly accelerated my language acquisition progress.

— During 2021, you appeared to compete in virtually every tournament, approaching potential burnout. In 2022, you missed BLAST events — do you prefer comprehensive tournament participation or extended training periods?

— Absolutely, I advocate for complete tournament engagement, and our absence from BLAST this year created substantial competitive disadvantages. This impacted both our tournament readiness and HLTV ranking positions significantly. We experienced gradual descent from elite rankings with suboptimal competitive outcomes. Optimistically, this current year will mark our return to competitive prominence.

— You occasionally engage with alternative shooters like Warzone and Siege. Does transitioning between different shooting mechanics provide reflex training benefits?

— Personally, switching between gaming environments presents no difficulties, as I maintain confidence across different platforms. Weekly sessions with alternative shooters demonstrate negligible impact on Counter-Strike performance. Sometimes it proves beneficial: mental relaxation occurs, perspective shifts happen, and varied control schemes prevent fixation on repetitive patterns.

— We conversed two years ago following your Katowice championship victory. How have you evolved since that period? What distinguishes the current version of Ax1Le from the 2021 iteration?

— Currently, I exhibit heightened confidence and approach the game with refined perspective. Continuous daily improvement remains essential, and I’ve consistently allocated substantial time to CS:GO development. Now I invest even greater dedication: analyzing match recordings, seeking innovative tactical approaches, and similar developmental activities.

— Previously, I inquired about team weaknesses. You responded: “Communication issues and match preparation mindset”. Does this challenge persist currently?

— Presently, this issue has been largely resolved, with team morale functioning optimally: we continuously enhance our capabilities and maintain rigorous work ethic. We’ll evaluate LAN performance with new roster additions — then formulate definitive conclusions.

M0NESY has knife from FC Monaco football player Golovin. He will use it “until he wins a Major”

— Your roster maintained cohesion for over two years. Other professional players frequently mention the challenges of sharing training facilities and daily routines with identical individuals for extended periods (for instance, Entropiq). Why does your team continue projecting familial harmony with minimal conflicts?

— Every competitive organization encounters challenges, as no perfect teams exist where seven individuals coexist without interpersonal friction. Our team represents no exception, yet we persist in mutual improvement efforts. This constitutes natural organizational progression. Typically, disagreements emerge within gameplay contexts exclusively, and we consistently achieve consensus positions.

We project familial unity externally because we avoided roster modifications for an extended duration. We consciously addressed challenges directly rather than逃避 them — this approach proves substantially more demanding than frequent player substitutions, which many organizations implement semi-annually.

— Cloud9’s most successful tournament performance occurred at IEM Dallas, where you received extensive fan support. During Katowice and Rio events, audience support favored opposing teams. Having participated in numerous LAN competitions, is complete audience abstraction impossible? Would soundproof booths provide solutions?

— Complete abstraction proves unattainable, because crowd noise and chanting remain audible regardless. The critical factor involves individual player reactions: personally, I experience no performance anxiety and remain unaffected. However, certain teammates find increased difficulty ignoring external distractions.

Incidentally, responding to spectator presence becomes considerably easier when the audience remains positioned before you, rather than encircling the stage as occurred in Rio. Consequently, fans exert genuine pressure: audio perception occurs from all directions, particularly without acoustic isolation structures.

If organizers design circular arenas resembling Rio’s configuration, they should implement soundproof booths. Under alternative configurations, audience influence diminishes substantially, rendering booths unnecessary.

Open arenas facilitate enhanced fan interaction, but excessive cheering can provide tactical advantages to specific teams. This creates significant competitive interference. I strongly advocate for equitable solutions benefiting both competing squads. Disabling x-ray functionality for arena broadcasts represents one viable option.

Who is donk? What we know about Spirit Academy 15-year old prodigy invited to FPL, his crosshair, settings, and config
Is he the next m0NESY?

— Comeback9 has evolved into this lineup’s distinctive trademark. What factors enabled such frequent comeback scenarios?

— Competitive professionals never desire elimination without championship contention, CS:GO represents an exceptionally unpredictable gaming environment where individual rounds can trigger dramatic reversals. Random Tec-9 or Deagle engagements can accomplish this without excessive difficulty.

During such matches, maintaining composure, confidence, and comeback belief becomes essential. In numerous competitions, we simply maintained focus, executed strategic gameplay and refused surrender. This represents the operational methodology.

— Do numerous comeback instances indicate team strength and individual player capabilities, or initial map performance issues?

— Occasionally, poor initial performance or suboptimal tactical planning occurs. However, recognizing that M4A1-S demonstrated excessive power during that competitive meta — frequent comebacks materialized on CT-side configurations, because competing against this weapon proved challenging, featuring four-bullet elimination capacity and easily manageable recoil patterns. Individual player performances also constituted significant contributing elements — thus, the competitive meta and our collective skill produced successful comeback outcomes.

— Initial reactions following defeat against MOUZ?

— Disappointment and realization that we failed to meet personal performance expectations. We possessed exceptionally favorable bracket positioning, we maintained excellent advancement potential to championship finals, and then simply execute our gameplay without external pressure.

Following the Major competition, we participated in no tournaments, so extended recuperation periods moderated emotions from this painful competitive setback.

Degster’s hard path to esports: wasn’t taken seriously because of age, dodged drugs, proved himself to conservative family
Unknown Abdul.

— You’ve transitioned interz to substitute status. Which decision-makers determined this roster modification?

— Fundamentally, coaching staff and organizational management reach player replacement decisions. We participated actively in player selection processes during trial periods.

Following Major tournament elimination, mild depressive symptoms emerged: I recognized that roster changes would likely occur. Timofey represents an exceptional individual, I maintain communication with him, we share numerous local humorous references. Separation created emotional difficulty.

I maintain confidence that interz will return to tier-1 competitive Counter-Strike rapidly. He currently competes on FACEIT platforms, maintaining competitive conditioning. Constant demand exists for such skilled competitors. In the immediate future, he could certainly receive team invitations — I’m convinced he won’t disappear from competitive scene.

— Do you believe interz possesses potential for main roster reinstatement?

— This scenario could materialize if our competitive results deteriorate severely. However, I cannot provide definitive assurances.

— Nafany referenced multiple occasions that Cloud9 progressively modifies their competitive approach. What characterize the primary elements of contemporary C9 strategic methodology?

— Currently, we concentrate efforts on team coordination enhancement, refining communication protocols and exploring diverse round execution strategies. We additionally focus on communication improvement, facilitating enhanced synchronization during rounds, which guarantees advantageous trade scenarios in critical moments.

— Professional analysts frequently indicate that Cloud9 retains certain psychological challenges during match situations. Do you consider this represents genuine competitive concern?

— This represented historical reality. We’ll evaluate performance outcomes with new roster configuration. Single player modifications can alter team morale dynamics significantly. Regardless, regarding psychological aspects, we’ve upgraded systematically over three years, and this factor now demonstrates reduced decisiveness.

— Does Cloud9 employ professional psychological support staff? Is such expertise necessary?

— Negative, we don’t. Determining necessity proves challenging, as dependency exists on individual perception variations. Personally, I demonstrate minimal requirement for such services, but — potentially — professional observation could identify underlying issues requiring developmental attention.

— How can Cloud9 achieve competitive consistency demonstrated by other elite organizations? What represents the crucial element for reclaiming top-ranked team status?

— The competitive meta experienced slight modification: CT-side configurations demonstrate reduced dominance currently, and this could potentially benefit our competitive approach. I believe we require slightly enhanced discipline and increased self-confidence levels. This will enable every team member to perform at maximum capacity.

— External perception suggests three leadership figures within the team: Nafany, Sh1ro and Hobbit. Three decision-making centers during competitive gameplay — does this represent roster characteristic feature?

— Realistically, every team member can provide strategic input, but obvious differentiation exists regarding individual activity levels. I consider this represents common organizational structure across numerous competitive teams.

Occasionally, this creates genuine interference during high-pressure scenarios: divergent opinions emerge, and communication delays prevent round victory achievement.

Ax1Le is carrying Cloud9 on Rio Major with sh1ro. Did you know he nearly got VAC due to account breach?
Who would have carried Cloud9 then?

— Achieving elevated positions within HLTV player rankings requires exceptional performance because snipers typically demonstrate superior statistical performance compared to riflers. Can you accomplish this competitive objective?

— Occasionally, sniper specialists encounter substantially worse competitive situations than my own. Maintaining continuous development, enhancing shooting precision further and improving game sense comprehension remains essential. All competitive achievements remain attainable.

— Your gaming peripheral [Zowie EC2-CW] malfunctioned during Rio competition and you required equipment from fellow competitors. Describe the incident from your perspective.

— Upon arrival in Rio, my primary mouse deactivated during cable flexion, necessitating alternative equipment acquisition for competitive matches. During playoff stages, I competed with personal, factory-new equipment, — but this fails to replicate the tactile familiarity achieved with equipment utilized for one or two month durations.

— Historically, you experienced unfortunate incidents, including unintentional jumping instead of shooting execution. Professional analysts attributed these occurrences to your gaming peripheral, which historically demonstrated misclick technical issues. You persist with identical equipment model for multiple years, what motivated this equipment consistency decision?

— Primarily, its ergonomic configuration provides personal comfort. Alternative models prove incompatible with my preferences. Manufacturers have resolved primary mechanical concerns, the scroll wheel no longer activates during left-click engagements.

Regarding silencer activation, that represents personal technical challenge. I can inadvertently activate it occasionally. However, I will most likely utilize M4A4 configurations, so this represents non-issue currently.

— Hobbit regarding Ax1Le: “If he demonstrates competitive desire, he will perform exceptionally. Everything depends on motivational factors.” Did you encounter periods lacking competitive motivation?

— Negative, I consistently maintain motivation for optimal competitive outcomes. However, occasional situations arise where external factors dominate and gameplay simply fails to materialize effectively. Matches demonstrate constant variation, and sometimes round developments occur where I possess zero opportunity for impactful contribution. Additionally, physical conditioning can influence performance metrics — but sometimes these simply represent suboptimal performance days, such occurrences happen naturally.

— Do you continue transporting your hedgehog plush companion Alyam during competitions? How does he perform currently? What competitive success rate does he demonstrate during LAN events?

— I cannot provide definitive statistical analysis, but during periods when I included Alyam, we delivered exceptional competitive results. He accompanied us during IEM Dallas, but remained absent during Major tournaments. Potentially this represents psychological conditioning, but I perform more effectively with his presence!

— You acknowledged surprise regarding Cloud9 organizational transition — you doubted that such prominent organization would demonstrate recruitment interest. Why? You already represented elite competitive team during that period.

— Simply, this life situation developed unfavorably: all external support vanished, and I possessed zero conception regarding future developments for myself and the organization. When Cloud9’s offer materialized, universal satisfaction occurred. The organization provided revitalizing opportunity, which represented essential requirement. We express extreme gratitude for this organizational transition.

— What guidance would 20-year-old Ax1le provide to Sergey, who remained inactive within Gambit and recently received recruitment offer for Youngsters organization?

— I would recommend increased dedication, continuous development, and enhanced match recording analysis. Value time allocation with family members even more significantly and avoid emotional distress regarding minor competitive setbacks.

Jame’s first words after winning the Major was a request to unban his friend, but it wasn’t translated. Who is tr3vl?
And why he has a VAC-ban?

No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » “We didn’t run away from problems, we tried to solve them”. Ax1le on last season issues, disappointment in Rio, and personal growthExclusive A thorough conversation.